Norovirus Important Health Information

NOROVIRUS – the “Stomach Bug”

Noroviruses are a group of related viruses. 
Infection with any of these viruses causes an illness called gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis),
causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Norovirus is VERY contagious. It spreads quickly and easily.

Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the United States. The CDC estimates
that each year more than 20 million cases of acute gastroenteritis are caused by norovirus –
that’s about 1 in every 15 Americans. Each year, norovirus is responsible for over 70,000
hospitalizations and 800 deaths in the U.S.

Norovirus illness is often called "food poisoning" or a "stomach flu". While it is true that food
poisoning can be caused by a norovirus, other bacteria, viruses, parasites and chemicals can
also cause food poisoning. Norovirus illness is not related to the flu (influenza), which is a
respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.

Anyone can be infected with norovirus, and you can be infected more than once during your life. 
Norovirus illness is usually not serious. Symptoms of norovirus infection include diarrhea,
nausea, vomiting and stomach cramping, which can be severe. Other less common symptoms
include low grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of fatigue.
Most people get better in 1 to 2 days. Norovirus illness can be serious in young children, the
elderly and people with chronic health conditions. It can lead to severe dehydration, hospitalization and even death.

Please download and refer to the attached PDF file re: the virus from the West Windsor Health Department.

Contact:
Marcie Tyson, Health Educator
West Windsor Health Department
serving the communities of West Windsor-Robbinsville-Hightstown
(908) 208-0593
marcie.tyson@comcast.net